Symptoms

Most people who have gonorrhea do not have symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may appear 1-14 days after exposure. In some cases, symptoms do not occur for up to a month.

Symptoms in men may include:

Discharge from the penis

Burning sensation while urinating

Itching sensation in the urethra

Symptoms in women may include:

Burning sensation while urinating

Abnormal vaginal discharge

Abdominal pain

Unusual vaginal bleeding

Symptoms in men and women with rectal infections may include:

Anal itching

Soreness

Bleeding

Painful bowel movements

Gonorrhea can also cause serious health complications.

Complications in men include:

Epididymitis
—A painful swelling and inflammation of the testicles, which may lead to infertility.

Urethritis
—The inside of the urethra may become inflamed, which causes burning when passing urine. If scarring occurs, it may cause difficulty with passing urine, or block urine flow completely.

Prostatitis
—An inflammation of the prostate gland. Symptoms include pain in and around the groin and pelvis, or discomfort when urinating. It may also create flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, body aches, or fatigue.

Complications in women include:

Pelvic inflammatory disease
(PID)—A serious infection that can lead to
infertility
, even in women who never have symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include pelvic pain and pain with intercourse. PID causes scar tissue or may cause an abscess to form in the fallopian tubes.

Infection in a newborn infant if the mother is infected during pregnancy.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Diagnosis is based on tests.

Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:

Urine tests

Tests of genital fluid discharge

Tests of oral fluids using a swab

You may have other STD tests done, such as
chlamydia
, syphilis, or
HIV
.

Treatment

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. Some strains of gonorrhea have developed resistance to certain antibiotics. You and your doctor will work together to find an antibiotic that is effective.

It is important to take all medication as prescribed. Also, all of your sexual partners should be tested and treated. Do not have sex until you and your partners have completed treatment and symptoms are gone.

Prevention

To reduce your chances of getting gonorrhea, take these steps:

Always
use a latex condom during sexual activity.

Have routine check-ups for STDs if you are a woman under the age of 25. Sexually active young men should consider screening, although there is no specific guideline.

Have check-ups often if you have other risk factors for getting STDs.

Have a monogamous relationship. Monogamous means only 1 sexual partner.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.